Digital Body, Analog Mind

Digital Body, Analog Mind - Curated by Calli Mirales

In today's world, technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from smartphones to AI-powered devices that simplify tasks and increase productivity. The art world has also seen tremendous changes due to technological advancements, paving the way for new modes of creation. The metaverse, for instance, has expanded creative communities and audiences, breaking down temporal barriers. This provides opportunities for digitally native artists to thrive, but traditional artists often view this with apprehension. They wonder how physical mediums fit into an immaterial arena and what it means to be an artist in a fast-evolving technological world. In conjunction with Narratives of Transformation, the physical exhibition at Carrie Able Gallery, Digital Body, Analog Mind: explores Four artists' abilities to navigate times of transition and transform their ideas to reflect the ever-shifting world around them.

Although technological advances have brought exciting possibilities to the art world, they also have limitations. The digital world follows pre-programmed rules and algorithms, which restrict innovation. While AI and machine learning can mimic some human behaviors, they cannot generate original ideas and concepts. Over-reliance on these devices strips away personality, leaving the artwork devoid of impact. While technology aids in the execution of art, it can never replace the intuition, emotion, and imagination that only individual minds possess.

The fundamental basis of all progress and innovation is creative thought. Creativity is a uniquely human trait that allows us to think, feel, and express ourselves in distinctive ways, enabling us to explore new ideas, solve complex problems, and create something original. Collaboration, diversity, and experimentation are essential elements of human experience that foster creativity. Artists have always been at the forefront of innovation, using their unique perspectives and abilities to create something powerful. While the medium may change, an artist's talent lies in their ability to connect with the viewer, and it is the human touch that gives art meaning. Technology provides us with tools and resources to enhance our creativity, but ultimately, artists must apply them innovatively. The digital world and creative mind are an extension of one another, and a digital body cannot exist without an analog mind.

Technology and creativity are not mutually exclusive. While technology can optimize certain aspects of creation, it cannot replicate the human spirit of imagination, innovation, and expression. As technology's daily application increases, artists celebrate the unique qualities that make us human and explore new ways to express complex emotions during times of transition. Each artist featured in this show transforms their physical practices into the intangible, a cerebral process of rebirth into a digital space. By embracing this balance, they continue to push the boundaries of creation and presentation.